UPDATE: Colorado Agency backs down.CDPHE has changed the form so that it no longer compels those who sign it to attest to views with which they disagree. Thank you for being an informed citizen who stands up for freedom.

Whether to immunize a child is a medical decision that is best made by fully informed parents in accordance with the law and without undue interference or burdens imposed by the state. But new Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) regulations disregard free speech and parental rights and push a pro-vaccine agenda that not all parents agree with.

The new CDPHE requirements mandate burdensome forms and procedures for Colorado children, college students, and parents.

The mandatory forms require that parents affirm that by exempting their child from immunizations they are endangering the life and health of that child. This statement is at odds with some parents’ personal and/or religious beliefs. By forcing parents to make this statement, the State of Colorado is unconstitutionally compelling speech.

Furthermore, by signing such a statement, a person may be making an admission (whether or not it is true or he actually agrees with it) that could be used against him in a later civil or criminal proceeding.

Requiring a person to affirm a viewpoint which violates his religious or personal beliefs is a violation of the United States Constitution. The Supreme Court has clearly established that “[j]ust as the First Amendment may prevent the government from prohibiting speech, [it] may prevent the government from compelling individuals to express certain views” (United States v. United Foods, 533 U.S. 405, 410 (2001)) and also that “one important manifestation of the principle of free speech is that one who chooses to speak may also decide what not to say” (Hurley v. G.L.I.B., 515 U.S. 557, 573 (1995)).

When you sign this petition, your message will be sent directly to Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, Colorado Speaker of the House Dickey Lee Hullinghorst, and Colorado Senate President Bill Cadman.

Are you are a parent? This issue should concern you—whether you live in Colorado or anywhere else in the United States. If these burdensome regulations are accepted in Colorado, it won’t be long until laws like this spread across the United States.

Please join the Home School Legal Defense Association and CitizenGO in urging these elected representatives to take immediate steps to ensure that parental rights are preserved.

Sign this petition now!

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Petition to: Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper

Dear Colorado Governor Hickenlooper, Speaker of the House Hullinghorst, and Senate President Cadman,

I am writing to express my concern regarding the new immunization reporting and exemption forms promulgated by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment pursuant to 6 CCR 1009.

The CDPHE forms require that parents affirm that by exempting their child from immunizations they are endangering the life and health of that child. This statement is at odds with some parents’ personal and/or religious beliefs. By forcing parents to make this statement, the State of Colorado is unconstitutionally compelling speech.

By signing such a statement, a person may be making an admission (whether or not it is true or he actually agrees with it) that could be used against him in a later civil or criminal proceeding.

Requiring a person to affirm a viewpoint which violates his religious or personal beliefs is a violation of the United States Constitution. The Supreme Court has clearly established that “[j]ust as the First Amendment may prevent the government from prohibiting speech, [it] may prevent the government from compelling individuals to express certain views” (United States v. United Foods, 533 U.S. 405, 410 (2001)) and also that “one important manifestation of the principle of free speech is that one who chooses to speak may also decide what not to say” (Hurley v. G.L.I.B., 515 U.S. 557, 573 (1995)).

This form contains language that requires those filling out the form to either explicitly or implicitly assent to viewpoints with which they do not agree. These include the sentence contained in each antigen exemption box description: “My child/I may be at increased risk of developing . . .” and “Failure to follow the advice of a physician . . . who has recommended vaccines may endanger my child’s/my health or life and others who come into contact with my child/me.”

Furthermore, the CDPHE does not have authority to issue this form in the first place. The form goes above and beyond the requirements of state law, which only requires a parent to sign a “statement of exemption."

I urge you to immediately modify these forms and regulations to protect the privacy and freedom of Colorado families.

Sign this petition now!

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